1 Corinthians 12:4-6

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

We all have our own method of doing things. There are so many talents in the world that we cannot count them all. I may be good at one thing, while you excel at another. When you and I look at the same job we may see a different way of getting it done, based on our talents. That’s ok. It doesn’t matter what method is used, what matter is whether or not God is in it.
When we are living for God, He is going to speak to us differently. Based on the talents He has given us we will serve Him differently. You may sing, I might set up chairs; they are different things, but both are equally important if you are doing it for God. There are many ways that we can serve God; the important thing is that we are working in our giftings.
When we work together in the gifting that we have been given God is glorified. It is important to serve God with your talents. One way to do that is by serving others. When you help others, God is glorified through that as well.
Helping and serving others is much like what we were talking about with serving God. It will look different based on your talents and giftings. For example, say you and I see a family that is in need. They are going through a lot in their life and don’t have a lot of extra time. You may see that as an opportunity to cook them a meal and help them out that way. I may look at the same situation and see that their lawn needs mowed and do that for them.
Are either one of these acts of service any better than the other? No, both are needed; both are an opportunity to glorify God. We have both operated in our talents and met the need of a hurting family. Think about it this way, would it do any good for me to cook a meal for this family if I can’t cook? No, of course not. It would have been done with a good motive, but it would be impractical because no one would eat the meal I provided. In the end no needs would have been met.
That is why it so important to operate in your giftings. Then, when you serve one another it is both with a good motive and it is practical. It meets the need and glorifies God.

Luke 21:3-4

Luke 21:3-4 “I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in everything she had to live on.”

        Tithing and giving are subjects that often cause a lot of dispute. Some people don’t want to do it and make all kinds of excuses why they don’t. Others try to say that you cannot be saved unless you tithe. In every issue there are extremes and this one can get heated because money is so close to our hearts. So instead of going into all the excuses or reasons why people believe one way or the other I will tell you my thoughts on tithing and giving and I believe it is biblical.

        First off I will talk about tithing. We have been commanded to tithe, which is giving ten percent of all we make. We see examples of this starting with Abraham and continuing on into the New Testament. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

        I believe that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards of it. He asks for ten percent and I gladly give it. That being said, God will not Love you any less if you don’t tithe, and tithing has nothing to do with salvation. Tithing is about putting God first and honoring Him above your money. It is also has to do with obedience and entering into the financial blessings that God has for you.

        One of the amazing things about God, though, is that He will meet you where you are at. If you are not giving ten percent, it's alright. Start with where you are and work up from there. God Loves a cheerful giver. If you are giving grudgingly then you might as well not give, because there is no reward in it. God looks at your heart.

        That being said it may never make sense to give. If you do your budget and you don’t see a way that you can give don’t let that stop you. You must give in Faith and your tithe should be the first thing that you have in your budget. In my life I have done this and then everything is provided for, even when it doesn't make sense. There is blessing in obedience.

        Now let’s talk about giving. Again, this must come from the heart. God asks that you give above your tithe. Give to those in need. Bless those around you. Do it out of Love and compassion. Giving is very satisfying when you can look past your own wants and needs and look to meet the needs of others.

        This story about the poor widow who gave everything she had is about her heart towards giving. She didn't have much, but she wanted God to use it to bless others, and it did. Even today, thousands of years later we are still blessed and convicted by this woman’s story.